Garage Door Sunlight On The Sensor

A garage door is an essential part of any home, providing security and protection for your vehicles and belongings. However, if the garage door sensor is exposed to sunlight, it can cause the door to malfunction. This can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous problem, as it can prevent you from accessing your garage or allow intruders to enter. In this article, we will discuss the causes and effects of sunlight on garage door sensors, and provide some tips on how to prevent this problem.

How Sunlight Affects Garage Door Sensors

Garage door sensors work by using a beam of light to detect when the door is opening or closing. When the beam is broken, the sensor sends a signal to the garage door opener, which then stops the door or reverses its direction. If the sensor is exposed to sunlight, the sunlight can interfere with the beam of light, causing the sensor to malfunction. This can lead to the door opening or closing erratically, or even becoming stuck.

Causes of Sunlight Exposure

There are a few reasons why a garage door sensor might be exposed to sunlight. One common cause is if the sensor is mounted too high on the door frame. The sensor should be mounted at a height of about 6 inches from the ground, so that it is not exposed to direct sunlight. Another cause of sunlight exposure is if the garage door is not properly aligned. If the door is not aligned correctly, the sensor may not be able to detect the beam of light, and the door may malfunction.

Effects of Sunlight Exposure

Sunlight exposure can have a number of negative effects on garage door sensors. The most common effect is that the sensor will malfunction, causing the door to open or close erratically. In some cases, the sensor may become damaged and need to be replaced. Sunlight exposure can also cause the sensor to become less sensitive, making it more likely to fail.

Preventing Sunlight Exposure

There are a few things you can do to prevent sunlight exposure from causing problems with your garage door sensor. First, make sure that the sensor is mounted at a height of about 6 inches from the ground. This will help to protect it from direct sunlight. Second, make sure that the garage door is properly aligned. If the door is not aligned correctly, the sensor may not be able to detect the beam of light, and the door may malfunction. Finally, you can install a sunshade over the sensor. This will help to block out sunlight and prevent it from interfering with the sensor's operation.

Conclusion

Sunlight exposure can cause problems with garage door sensors, leading to the door opening or closing erratically, or even becoming stuck. By taking a few simple steps to prevent sunlight exposure, you can help to keep your garage door operating properly.